Reflexology

Although the theory of reflexology sounds similar to the idea of meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners say it is separate - reflex points do not necessarily correlate to acupoints.

What can I expect?
Reflexologists tend to prefer working on the feet rather than the hands, so expect to take your shoes off and relax in a reclining chair with your feet raised. The practitioner first examines your feet, noting their shape, colour and condition, and asks about your health and lifestyle. He or she may use a dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch before working the reflex points by massaging each foot with his or her knuckles or thumbs, observing areas of pain or tenderness.

When worked on intensely, even extremely sensitive areas usually become less so. Most people find the treatment relaxing, but occasionally it is followed by a worsening of symptoms, believed to indicate the body's natural healing processes are removing toxins.

What is it good for?
Apart from relaxation, reflexology is said to benefit high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and stress-related conditions like insomnia and migraine, asthma, sinusitis, eczema, wound healing, back pain and general pain relief, PMS and other menstrual problems, infertility and constipation.

There are few proper scientific studies of reflexology. In one US trial published in 1993, reflexology reduced premenstrual symptoms by 41 per cent in 35 women. A 1999 Danish trial found 81 per cent of 220 patients with migraine or tension headache reported that reflexology either helped or cured symptoms. But a British trial published last year found that reflexologists were unable to diagnose six common medical conditions when prevented from talking to the patients.